Springfield, Mass., school officials have preliminarily backed providing free condoms for students 12 and up. (Shutterstock)

(Newser)
–
In a 5-1 preliminary vote, a school committee for a Massachusetts town has approved providing free condoms to students ages 12 and older. The service, which requires a second vote for final approval, would provide the condoms through Springfield school nurses and clinics. Those given the contraceptives would receive counseling in abstinence and how to use the condoms safely. Parents would be allowed to opt out of the service for their children, the Republican reports. "We can’t stick our heads in the sand any more," said the committee's vice-chair.

Most 12 year old kids are not going to use a condom to have sex. But having them around gives them kids a chance to look at them, giggle about them, and generally, just get used to them. Then, when the time comes, it won't be so weird or embarrassing. I know this is spitting in the wind, but if men learn to wear a condom whenever they masturbate, the body registers the fact that there is not adequate sensation, and builds new nerve ending to the penis. Over time, your penis will adjust and become just as sensitive with condoms, as without. But once in a while won't do it; you have to wear them whenever you are having sex--even with yourself. Makes for an easier clean-up though!

ozzydagreat

Mar 16, 2012 10:08 PM CDT

@Rational.-Anarchist I'm not saying I know a large number, of people that this applies, but I know quite a few people who started around and a few who were already active (not just sex, but oral sex and jacking off others) by 14 and I am 22 years old.

Rational.-Anarchist

Mar 16, 2012 9:07 PM CDT

" We can't stick our heads in the sand anymore. We will put them up our asses instead." I really have to wonder just how many 12 year olds are sexually active. when I was 12 a barely knew there was a difference between boys and girls, let alone have any particular sexual ideas.